During years one and two modules run on Fridays between 10.30am and 8pm, and in years three and four modules run on Wednesdays between 10.30am and 5pm. Students have access to Photography Centre facilities for one further day per week.

Practice

Practice modules are designed to provide training in the production techniques and procedures of a variety of photographic and related media. Students are encouraged to develop a creative, critically informed and self-reflexive approach to their practice. Students learn a full range of photographic techniques and are encouraged to develop a creative and critically informed approach to their work.

Theory

Students are provided with a set of skills and knowledge relevant to a critical understanding of the production and consumption of photographic images. Theory modules engage with art history, film studies, semiotics, sociology and psychoanalysis and provide critical understanding of the production and consumption of photographic images.

Who is the course for?

This course is part time and is aimed at mature students, particularly those who already work in photography, use photography in their work or are concerned with issues of representation and imagery and has a specific identity as the majority of students have a wide range of life/work/family experience and commitments. Prior experience or learning may be credited, while applicants with exceptionally advanced qualifications or experience may be granted admission at Level Five of the degree. The course is taught one day a week for 4 years with one further day's access per week and an initial induction of 3 days during Induction Week in September of the first year.

What will you study?

Year 1

There are morning lectures in theories of art, culture and communication. Afternoon classes provide students with a thorough grounding in key photographic techniques, theories and concepts forming the basis for later learning.

Year 2

Practice is research and project based. Theory modules explore the relationship between new technologies and vision, power and social control, and the contribution of the unconscious to subjectivity and difference.

Year 3

In semester one, at level 5, students examine the ways in which meanings and persuasion are created in photographic imagery and practice options allow the development of specialist skills in video, or publishing for print. In semester two level 6 begins, and modules are based on students ability to structure their own programme and to develop a more independent approach to their work. Contemporary theories is structured around student led seminars and Advanced Practice encourages the development of a major body of practice in the form of a portfolio.

Year 4

The final year centres on the production of two major pieces of work, the dissertation in theory and the major project in practice, all supported by regular tutorials and workshops. The major project leads to the Degree Show exhibition in a prestigious London location.

What might you do after the course?

Many of our graduates work as practising photographers in both commercial and fine art sectors. Equally, they pursue careers within the broader photographic industries such as picture editors and researchers, museum and gallery curators, writers, historians, teachers and academics, advertising agencies, education officers, and community project workers. Many also go on to postgraduate study and doctoral research.